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2020 Scholarships Awarded!

Thirteen students awarded a total of $50,000 for academic pursuits The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has helped graduating seniors achieve their dreams since 1970, with individual scholarships ranging from $500 to $8,000 each year. This year, $50,000 was awarded to students. Student scholarships are awarded each year thanks to the generous support of AMA members and AMA Foundation donors across the country. AMA has awarded more than $1.1 million in scholarships since founding the scholarship program.

 

Thirteen students awarded a total of $50,000 for academic pursuits The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has helped graduating seniors achieve their dreams since 1970, with individual scholarships ranging from $500 to $8,000 each year. This year, $50,000 was awarded to students. Student scholarships are awarded each year thanks to the generous support of AMA members and AMA Foundation donors across the country. AMA has awarded more than $1.1 million in scholarships since founding the scholarship program. Award designations are set by the AMA Scholarship Committee, which is made up of model aviation pilots and enthusiasts. The committee evaluates each application and ranks it based on GPA, community involvement, model flying experience, and model flying competition participation. AMA and its foundation want to thank each family that has contributed to the memorial scholarships, as well as the hundreds of other donors to the scholarship program. Without their generous contributions, these gifts would not be possible. AMA would like to congratulate the following students who have been selected this year to receive the Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship and other scholarships: Matthew J. Harmon (Peachtree City, GA): $2,000 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Lucas Javier Gandarillas (Pembroke Pines, FL): $3,500 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Andrew Sabini: $1,000 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Benjamin Robert Mills (Ozark, MO): $5,000 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship, $1,500 Ryan Sherrow Memorial Scholarship Lily Gwendolyn Mikes (Oklahoma City, OK): $5,000 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Ethan Ater (Louisville, KY): $4,000 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Luke Young (Greenbrier, TN): $2,500 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Rylan Ritch (Magnolia, TX): $2,000 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Robert van Zyl (Peachtree City, GA): $1,500, Basil and Dorothy Cooper Memorial Scholarship Nicole Kane (Arlington Heights, IL): $7,000, Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship, $500 Toledo Weak Signals Club Scholarship Jack Spencer Ireland Samson (Olympia, WA): $3,000, Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship Sabrina Fogel (San Diego, CA): $6,000, Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship, $5,000, Clifford and Nancy Telford Memorial Scholarship Donnie Petsche (Chula Vista, CA): $4,500 Charles Hampson Grant Scholarship, $500, Toledo Weak Signals Club Scholarship

Ronald Hesselbrock Leaves Major Gift For AMA Scholarship Fund

The AMA Foundation has received a gift of $135,000 to assist with scholarship efforts.  The AMA and AMA Foundation would like to thank the family of Ronald Hesselbrock,Oxford, Ohio,  for this generous gift. Ronald, a Heritage and Legacy Society member of the AMA Foundation, requested these funds be allocated upon his passing. Ronald died on his birthday, Monday, July 22, 2019 at Westover Nursing Home in Hamilton, OH. Born July 22, 1948 in Cincinnati, he is the son of Loretta (nee Meyer) and Edward Hesselbrock. Ronnie had a passion for model aeronautics and built and flew model airplanes.

 

The AMA Foundation has received a gift of $135,000 to assist with scholarship efforts.  The AMA and AMA Foundation would like to thank the family of Ronald Hesselbrock,Oxford, Ohio,  for this generous gift. Ronald, a Heritage and Legacy Society member of the AMA Foundation, requested these funds be allocated upon his passing. Ronald died on his birthday, Monday, July 22, 2019 at Westover Nursing Home in Hamilton, OH. Born July 22, 1948 in Cincinnati, he is the son of Loretta (nee Meyer) and Edward Hesselbrock. Ronnie had a passion for model aeronautics and built and flew model airplanes. Throughout his life, he enjoyed Ham Radio and competitive target shooting. He was active with the Butler County Sportsmen where he served as a Trustee, and he also helped with the 4-H Shooting Sports Club. Ronnie served in the Army National Guard of Ohio, and as a Reserve of the Army. He is survived by many cousins and was preceded in death by his parents. Ronald's contribution will  have a major impact on the lives of future students who participate in the model aviation hobby. Each year the AMA awards approximately $50,000 in scholarships to students pursing higher education. Ronald's gift will assist with these efforts for many years.

Remembering David R. Thomson

David R. Thomson passed away at Veranda Gardens Nursing Home on March 20, 2020. David Raymond Thomson was born March 24, 1926 to Norma Hucke Thomson and Procter Thomson. David was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth (née Palm), his parents, his sister, Ruth Shapiro, and his brother, Procter Thomson, II. David is survived by his sons, Paul (Jennifer), of Cincinnati, and David (Barbara) of Winterville, NC. He enjoyed his grandchildren, Eric Thomson, of Boulder, CO, Karl Thomson, of Syracuse, NY, and Laura Thomson, also of Boulder. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

 

David R. Thomson passed away at Veranda Gardens Nursing Home on March 20, 2020. David Raymond Thomson was born March 24, 1926 to Norma Hucke Thomson and Procter Thomson. David was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth (née Palm), his parents, his sister, Ruth Shapiro, and his brother, Procter Thomson, II. David is survived by his sons, Paul (Jennifer), of Cincinnati, and David (Barbara) of Winterville, NC. He enjoyed his grandchildren, Eric Thomson, of Boulder, CO, Karl Thomson, of Syracuse, NY, and Laura Thomson, also of Boulder. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. He grew up in Wyoming, Ohio, attending Walnut Hills High School and Purdue University. After graduating as a mechanical engineer, he worked for Procter & Gamble, Sverdrup & Parcel, and at Fernald, where he was awarded a George Westinghouse Signature Award for his work in containing uranium dust. David spent many days with family and friends building and flying what he called, “toy flying machines.” He sang with the P&G Men’s Chorus and was a regular participant in Toastmasters. Later in life he became a Master Mason. When his sons joined Boy Scouts, he did too. He enjoyed many memorable trips with the scouts, backpacking throughout the western US. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Academy of Model Aeronautics Foundation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie, IN 47302, (Modelaircraft.org/give) in honor of Dave’s passion for model aviation. Online condolences can be left at www.AMGFuneralHome.com.

CARES Act Information for Individual Charitable Giving

The AMA Foundation thanks each and every one of our donors for their continued support of AMA programs. We have compiled some information that might be helpful. This information is provided by Independent Sector, and provides important information on how the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides incentives for charitable giving.

 

The AMA Foundation thanks each and every one of our donors for their continued support of AMA programs. We have compiled some information that might be helpful. This information is provided by Independent Sector, and provides important information on how the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides incentives for charitable giving.

  • Donors may be eligible for a $300 universal charitable deduction: Permits individuals to deduct up to $300 of cash contributions to most charities in 2020 for those who do not itemize their deductions.
  • New changes on limitations for charitable giving: Suspends the limitation on deductions for cash contributions to most charities for individuals who itemize. Increases the limitation on deductions for similar contributions by corporations from 10% to 25% of taxable income. Also increases the limitation on deductions from 15% to 25% for contributions of food inventory.
  • The CARES Act temporarily waves required minimum distributions (RMDs) for all types of retirement plans for the year 2020.

The AMA Foundation encourages you to speak with your financial advisor on these updates. Things are evolving and changing every day, so please continue to monitor our website and others for important information.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation while we do our part to address COVID-19. The safety of our staff, members, and community are AMA’s top priority. Together we can work to slow the spread of COVID-19 and eventually life will return to normal. Please check our website /amafoundation/covid-19-update/ for more information.

Casa Grande Annual RC Air Show Collects More Donations Than In Past Years

The Casa Grande RC Flyers held their annual RC Air Show on Saturday March 14th, 2020. The crowd size was not the largest the club had seen, but that didn't mean the donations also decreased, in fact it was the opposite. During the event, more food was donated to the Casa Grande Food Bank than during the previous years.

 

The Casa Grande RC Flyers held their annual RC Air Show on Saturday March 14th, 2020. The crowd size was not the largest the club had seen, but that didn't mean the donations also decreased, in fact it was the opposite. During the event, more food was donated to the Casa Grande Food Bank than during the previous years. They also raised a large amount for Pets In Need Action League through the event. The event this year had demonstrations, seminars, races and more!

newspaper article about the event  

Learn more about the Casa Grande RC Flyers on modelaircraft.org.

Remembering Michael Lee "Mike" Mosbrooker, Lt. Col. US Army (Ret.)

Michael Lee "Mike" Mosbrooker

Michael (Mike) Lee Mosbrooker, 81, of Oak Harbor, Washington, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at home surrounded by his family after a brief battle with metastatic melanoma. Memorial service will be held at 10am on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Wallin Funeral Home in Oak Harbor, with Chaplain David G. Lura officiating. Mike was born in Valley City, North Dakota to Alvin and Elvira Mosbrooker on Friday, June 17, 1938. Mike’s family moved to Los Angeles when Mike was 5. Mike worked alongside his dad and grandfather as a carpenter, finishing his apprenticeship at age 19.

 

Michael (Mike) Lee Mosbrooker, 81, of Oak Harbor, Washington, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at home surrounded by his family after a brief battle with metastatic melanoma. Memorial service will be held at 10am on Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Wallin Funeral Home in Oak Harbor, with Chaplain David G. Lura officiating. Mike was born in Valley City, North Dakota to Alvin and Elvira Mosbrooker on Friday, June 17, 1938. Mike’s family moved to Los Angeles when Mike was 5. Mike worked alongside his dad and grandfather as a carpenter, finishing his apprenticeship at age 19. He was also an auto enthusiast, working as a body and fender specialist and drag racing in his spare time. Mike earned a degree in applied mathematics from California Polytechnic State University where he also participated in Glee Club, ROTC, and the National Society of Scabbard and Blade. He later earned a master’s degree in nuclear physics from the Naval Postgraduate School. Mike served for 20 years in the United States Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was a Senior Army Parachutist and Ranger and served with the 75th Artillery, 10th Special Forces, 1st Infantry Division, 46th Artillery, 173rd Airborne Brigade, 76th Artillery and the 3rd Infantry Division in addition to multiple staff positions. Mike earned multiple decorations including the Legion of Merit, six Bronze Star Medals for Valor and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. After retiring from the military, Mike held multiple positions as an engineer and program manager. He later built and managed apartment buildings with his good friend, Robert Rathe. Mike met and married Judith (Judie) Ruth Ginsberg while he was stationed in Bad Tölz, Germany with Special Forces. Mike and Judie had three children: Patti, Mike and Eric. Judie died in 1991 after a short battle with breast cancer. Mike married Helen Swanner in 1992 and they have resided together in Oak Harbor since 1994. Mike had many loves in his life in addition to his family: beagles, model airplanes, traveling, golfing, boating, sports, piloting airplanes and spending time in his workshop. Mike started flying model airplanes at age 5 with his mother’s help and flew his final flight on New Year’s Day 2020. Mike held many leadership positions with the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and was awarded the AMA Fellowship Award in 2020 for his distinguished service. Mike and Helen traveled in their trailer (with beagles) to numerous model airplane events and also traveled (without beagles) to Europe, Asia, Australasia and South America. Mike’s greatest joy were his three grandchildren: Jesse (18), Caroline (16), and Zachary (11 months). Mike also had two stepchildren: Tammy and David; and six step-grandchildren. In addition to his children and grandchildren, Mike is survived by his wife, Helen; brother, Harold; numerous nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews; his son-in-law, Jon; and daughters-in-law, Lisa and Karyn. Mike lived a full life and he was admired, respected and loved by those he touched. In lieu of flowers, Mike requested memorials be made to the AMA Foundation at https://www.modelaircraft.org/donate or the Toddler Learning Center at https://www.tlcwhidbey.org/ways-you-can-help. walk of fame brick

A Walk of Fame brick purchased in memory of Mike by his loving family

National Model Aviation Museum Receives $5,000 Grant

The National Model Aviation Museum is proud to announce that it was awarded a Rapid Grant in February 2020 from the Ball Brothers Foundation in the amount of $5,000. The Ball Brothers Foundation is a family foundation located in Muncie, Indiana that focuses on improving the quality of life through arts, culture, and humanities; education; the environment; health; human services; and public society benefit. NMAM will use the grant funds to begin a strategic planning process with Whitinger Strategic Services, also located in Muncie, Indiana.

 

The National Model Aviation Museum is proud to announce that it was awarded a Rapid Grant in February 2020 from the Ball Brothers Foundation in the amount of $5,000. The Ball Brothers Foundation is a family foundation located in Muncie, Indiana that focuses on improving the quality of life through arts, culture, and humanities; education; the environment; health; human services; and public society benefit. NMAM will use the grant funds to begin a strategic planning process with Whitinger Strategic Services, also located in Muncie, Indiana. Embarking on a new decade, the museum staff is eager to develop an actionable and achievable three- to five-year strategic plan, building its capacity for sustainable growth, greater performance, and high-impact practices. We are sincerely grateful to the Ball Brothers Foundation for their generous gift, and we look forward to sharing the strategic plan upon its completion. Stay tuned! Call Brothers Foundation logo  whitinger logo

7th Annual RC Air Show Might Be Biggest Yet!

casa grande flyers holding a plane

The Casa Grande RC Flyers, an award-winning Academy of Model Aviation (AMA) chartered club, will hold their 7th annual Air Show for charities on Saturday March 14, 2020, between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM at the club airfield located at 2725 S Isom Road, directly across from the public shooting range.  This year’s event, benefitting the Casa Grande Food Bank and the Pets in Need Action League, might be the club’s largest yet. The field gate will open at 8:00 AM allowing those wanting to set up for the event’s swap meet to display their goods before the official event start time of 9:00 AM 

 

The Casa Grande RC Flyers, an award-winning Academy of Model Aviation (AMA) chartered club, will hold their 7th annual Air Show for charities on Saturday March 14, 2020, between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM at the club airfield located at 2725 S Isom Road, directly across from the public shooting range.  This year’s event, benefitting the Casa Grande Food Bank and the Pets in Need Action League, might be the club’s largest yet. The field gate will open at 8:00 AM allowing those wanting to set up for the event’s swap meet to display their goods before the official event start time of 9:00 AM 

On hand will be representatives from Pets in Need Action League who will serve coffee, hot chocolate, and pastries for donations, as well as, Casa Grande food vendor, Secret Ingredients,  who will provide morning and lunch items. Superstition Hobbies, a large Queen Creek hobby shop, will again be present displaying the latest in radio-controlled aircraft and radio-controlled car racing products.  Their Team Manager, Alan Moulton, will hold a special, free Spektrum Transmitter seminar assisting hobbyists to take advantage of all the unique features of their Spektrum transmitters.  The seminar will start at approximately 11:00 AM.

Casa Grande RC Flyers’ lead instructor, Maurie Sumption, will be available offering free radio-controlled flying lessons using his Apprentice model aircraft under his expert guidance and dual control.  The lessons will be offered throughout the entire event. Rick Chitty, a professional pilot representing Hitec/Multiplex, will again fly his spectacular “flying lawnmower” and other interesting aircraft.  Representatives from Superstition Hobbies and members of the Casa Grande RC Flyers will also fly many different and unique aircraft including jets, gliders, drones, biplanes and others throughout the morning.  Club members will be on hand to answer questions about the hobby.  Of special interest that morning will be a “Combat” dog fight scheduled to start at 10:00 AM and a radio-controlled car race demonstration offered by club members Jim Hernandez and Rick Downing, using the club’s expanded radio-controlled race track directly in front of the bleachers.  There will also be a raffle for a new airplane and other many items with the drawing held at noon.

Although this is a free event, the club asked people attending to support the Casa Grande Food bank with donations of non-perishable food items or cash.  There is never a charge to enter or park at the club’s events.  Pilots who are not CG RC Flyers members are asked for a small guest fee to fly at this event or to set up on the club’s swap meet tables. If flying, one must bring and show their AMA or MAAC membership card to the club’s safety officer.  Direction to the field and club information can be found on the club web site: www.CasaGrandeRCFlyers.com.

casa grande flyers with a plane spectators watch the event info booth at the event

CG RC Flyers Make Boys & Girls Club Fly-In Annual Event

Flyers raise money for charities

two members collecting donations

Despite a cold start, Saturdays Fly-In benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Casa Grande Valley turned into a wonderful morning.

 

two members collecting donations

Despite a cold start, Saturdays Fly-In benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Casa Grande Valley turned into a wonderful morning.

Visitors to the club’s airfield 2725 S Isom Road arrived later than usual because of the morning wind and chill, but the day ended successfully for both the Boys & Girls Club and the Pets In Need Action League, who were on hand providing hot coffee and pastries to the attendees. 

Both non-profits raise money from club members and visitors who came to watch the flying, try a free model flying lesson and view items at the club’s swap meets. According to club President, Alan Friedman, “the biggest event of the season will be the annual Air Show which will take place on Saturday March 14th this year”.  He also stated that, “because of the cold mornings, next will run from 9 AM until 1 PM instead of 8 AM to Noon as in the past.”  At the club’s recent meeting, their board of directors was also increased from five members to seven.

The Casa Grande RC Flyers is an Academy Of Model Aeronautics woman with rc planeaward winning club and an Arizona non-profit corporation devoted promoting interest in model aviation and raising money for area charities.  The club’s efforts also benefit the Valley Humane Society, Hospice Charitable Fund of Central Arizona and the Casa Grande Food Bank who will be the recipient of their efforts at the March 14th air show. 

All those charities, now to include the Boys & Girls Club, have an annual event for their benefit at the club airfield. A list of the clubs’ activities, charitable and educational work and field and membership information can be found on the club’s website. 

spectators at the event

 

Golden Hawks Radio Control Club Hosts Air Show

The Golden Hawks Radio Control Club will host their Winter RC Air Fest. The event will begin at 9am on February 8 at the club's airfield at the DeLand Municipal Airport. The club will offer food and refreshments for those in attendance. The event will also include flying demonstrations as well as a swap meet with large model airplanes. The club will also be celebrating all of the money that they were able to raise to provide toys for their local Toys for Tots program. The event is $5 per car.

 

The Golden Hawks Radio Control Club will host their Winter RC Air Fest. The event will begin at 9am on February 8 at the club's airfield at the DeLand Municipal Airport. The club will offer food and refreshments for those in attendance. The event will also include flying demonstrations as well as a swap meet with large model airplanes. The club will also be celebrating all of the money that they were able to raise to provide toys for their local Toys for Tots program. The event is $5 per car.

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